If ever I’ve learned about eating out on a budget, it’s within the last week. I’ve been undertaking the most colossal decluttering project of my entire life. (I’ve decided that the way to cure a “hoarder” is to make them clean up their own mess.) It’s absolutely brutal!
I make multiple trips every day to both the dump and to my storage facility, and I am absolutely drained by the undertaking — physically and mentally.
Today’s chaos includes emptying out and sorting boxes full of conference swag that I had no business even bringing home with me in the first place. Can you tell I fling boxes willy-nilly when I empty them?
I’m not really a hoarder, but since I have a tendency to box things I don’t know what to do with (out of sight, out of mind) I end up with too much stuff!
When I’ve finished my last trash run of the day, I head straight to a restaurant, because the last thing I feel like doing is… anything. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Feed me.
But because I’m dining in restaurants so much right now, eating out on a budget is critical. I’m exhausted, but I’m not willing to spend that much to feed my exhaustion.
The solution: The 2-4-6-8 menu at Denny’s (America’s Diner).
Tonight I had a Southwest turkey sandwich and a side salad for just $6! Notice that Denny’s isn’t skimpy on the turkey either.
‘Preciate.
Yesterday I had Blueberry Muffin Pancakes, 2 eggs and 2 strips of bacon for $6! The food is really fresh and good, the portions are generous and satisfying, and the value is unbeatable.
What should I have tonight?
A $2 Cheese Quesadilla?
All You Can Eat Pancakes for $4?
A $6 Baja Quesadilla Burger?
How about Country Fried Steak and Eggs for $8?
There are lots more 2-4-6-8 value menu items, but these are the ones on my short list.
When I’m eating out on a budget but still want a fantastic meal, Denny’s is the obvious choice!
Check out Dennys.com to get a look at everything on the 2-4-6-8 menu, including dessert!
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
WOW! now I’m wishing we have a Denny’s here. I’d love to have that Turkey sandwich.
When the Skies Are Gray says
I haven’t eaten ad Denny’s in a long time but I use to grab things of their 2,4,6 dollar menu too!
Cai says
Wow, so many choices! I miss Denny’s so much, that turkey sandwich looks sooo yummy!!!
Life as a Convert says
Those blueberry pancakes look so good. Wish we had a Denny’s closer.
Victoria says
Who knew eating out could be so budget friendly. The next time I have to eat out I will definitely remember the information that you shared in this post.
Gabriel says
Denny’s has great comfort food. Sadly, the nearest one to me is 50+ miles away.
Agata @BarkTime says
All the food looks fab! I would be happy to dine there 🙂
MARINA says
I almostalwayspck the pancakes off their value menu and end up having the kids steal off my plate! 🙂
MARINA says
and thinking of those pancakes made my words run into each other!!
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
Ooh, I love Dennys. I wish we had one closer to us!
Joanne T Ferguson says
I like how you shared that people can eat out on a budget and your foods look yummy! I remember going to Denny’s a long time ago and always had fond food memories! I never thought of it as a place to go that was cheap, even when I was on a budget and even after I could loosen the purse strings a bit!
Lexie Lane says
I never used to as well and didn’t think they’d ever go that cheap but it helps especially with so many people actually watching their budget nowadays.
Camesha says
Based on this post alone, I may be loading the family up for a Denny’s run tonight. I want those blueberry muffin pancakes. Yum!
P.S. We’re in de-clutter mode around here too. Two kids…so much stuff. BRUTAL!
Crystal says
I keep trying to tackle the stuff, but it feels like a never-ending task! I need to motivate myself with blueberry pancakes at the finish line.
Karen W says
Oh, how I wished there was a Denny’s around. That food looks fabulous, and quite affordable.
ricci says
All of that is from Denny’s?! WOW! Looks like I need to make a trip to my Denny’s soon!!
Lisa Rios says
All these looks so delicious & worth for the price tag. I always plan my budget for foods too. I love all these great deals. Will definitely try this Denny’s foods as well for sure.
XmasDolly says
Well, I always keep a box in my basement because when I do laundry and I see something that I no longer want or need or doesn’t fit the hubby anymore (hehehe) in the box to Goodwill it goes… or VietNam veterans (I do them a lot because my brother was in that war). When the box gets full I mark it and when they call it’s already. We’re on a first name basis now. LOL… Denny’s my favorite breakfast place. I could have breakfast morning, noon & night and those pics are really looking good to me. Thanks for sharing… Have a great weekend!!!
mburbage says
Wow that’s a lot of food for a little amount of money. Bargin!
Esther says
We have been trying to eat on a budget for a while now. I never knew they had such great prices. You can’t beat all you can eat pancakes for that price.
katrina g says
eating out can be so expensive but it can be done well. great choices.
Lalia @ Found Frolicking says
Some of these deals are pretty decent! Sadly, I won’t be heading over there anytime soon to take advantage of them, though. I’ve had three bad dining experiences at Denny’s in a row! I’m a little fed up.
Marina John says
I decluttered recently, so I can totally relate. You deserve a nice meal after all that!
Uplifting Families says
I love their 2-4-6-8 menu. We used to eat at Dennys quite often because it was just as cheap as picking up fast food. But they closed our Dennys, it makes me sad. 🙁
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I am working on decrapifying as well. I think it is a constant process.
Paula Schuck says
Denny’s food looks so good! Those prices are unbeatable. Perfect for those days that you don’t want to step foot in the kitchen.
Amy Green says
I also have been dying to try the $6 Eggs in a Basket entree. It just looks really good. I’m pretty sure that’s what they used for ‘Hobbit Holes’ when they were promoting the first movie in The Hobbit live-action film series!
Amy Green says
My sweet tooth immediately drew me to two of the Sundaes: the $2 Strawberry Pancake Puppies one, and the $4 Cookies and Cream Mega. Don’t which one to try first-flip a coin?
Amy Green says
I meant to say don’t know which one to try first. Still mastering the art of smartphone typing.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I love Denny’s breakfast! I love it because it is not only cheap but it’s good. You just can’t beat that!
Yona Williams says
This is funny that I am seeing this…I was looking at the 2.4.6.8 Menu online last night, seeing what they had new there. They’re constantly adding new things. That new sundae caught my eye – $4!
Chrystal | YUM eating says
I used to eat at Dennys all the time when I lived in OK. Where I am in MI now, the closest one is very close. I did ask if I could go there for my birthday next week and grab my free grand slam breakfast. I like the idea of knowing that there is a meal available for any budget. That $2 quesadilla actually looks really good!
Christie says
Wow, I love the concept of these budget friendly meals! All you can eat pancakes for $4? My hubby would go nuts
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies says
Eating out at restaurants sure can add up sometimes! It’s really great to see that a place like Denny’s has such inexpensive options that look so delicious!
Lauren R says
I love Denny’s, but I’ve never tried them out for lunch and dinner (I know!). I really loved this post and now I’m hungry haha! Thanks for sharing!
Erinn S says
It has been a while since I have eaten a Denny’s. I like their new menu
Sabrina says
We don’t get to eat out very often since I cook for the blog every day, but we love when we do! Having someone cook for me is something I dream about! haha.
Lisa Joy Thompson says
Those blueberry muffin pancakes look delicious! It’s great to know there are still some inexpensive restaurant options, I’ll have to check out the new Denny’s menu and give it a try soon!
sacha says
I hear you lol im packing to move and now i feel like going to Denny’s afterwards lol
Dawn McAlexander says
I absolutely love Denny’s! Especially their breakfast! You can eat there cheap and it’s good, too! I love their Grand Slam breakfast!
Amy Orvin says
I like eating at Denny’s. They have great deals and coupons.
Victoria says
These are some great deals. It shows that eating out does not have to be overly expensive.
Tammy @ creativekkids says
What a deal! And for a family of 7, some of those offers are cheaper than children’s menus! We are moving this month, and this sounds like a lifesaver for an evening meal.
Tracey says
This is such a great post. We like to eat out but also need to keep to a strict budget. Denny’s here we come!
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
All of it looks delicious Eating on a budget always sounds good to me when there are so many choices!
Heather says
There are aren’t there! Denny’s is a great place to eat on a budget.
Janeane Davis says
Eating out on a budget means you can eat out more often or that you have money available for other things. Either way it is a good idea.
Lisa Brown says
Denny’s is a good place to go to eat and get a good deal. I want the all you can eat pancakes for $4 🙂
Krystal says
$2 is SUCH a bargain! I haven’t been in so long that I need to check out their new menu!
Rosey says
Well, I already liked Denny’s. Now I like Denny’s even more. All you can eat pancakes for four bucks?? Woot!
Stephanie says
Denny’s is one of my favorite places to stop on a road trip. I love their ranch dressing. I don’t care what it is, as long as it has the dressing on it, I’m in!
Ourfamilyworld says
I love to eat out when I don’t feel like cooking. These budget meals look so delicious.
Ron Leyba says
I will take that all you can eat pancake at $4. Truly yummy delicious.
Mykidsguide says
Everything looks good and I love how affordable these meals are. I would like to try the quesadilla burgers.
Elizabeth O. says
The turkey sandwich and salad sounds good. These are filling and healthy.
Lexie Lane says
Wow! This is very interesting. Glad to know there’s a great place to eat on a budget. Can’t believe anything sells for $2 at Denny’s though.
Susan Quackenbush says
Everything there looks so delicious right now! Perhaps it’s time for me to convince my husband to take me to Denny’s for breakfast 🙂
HilLesha says
Lately, I haven’t really felt the need or desire to cook, mostly due to the hot, sweltering weather. Therefore, I have been eating out a lot. I’ll have to keep Denny’s in mind for sure.
Miranda (Myrabev) says
Sounds like a great way to eat on the budget, wish we had such an option in the UK. I feel you on being a hoarder even though I did not really think I was but looking at my apartment I just might be
Rebecca Swenor says
On them busy days at home when I don’t feel like cooking I totally seek out the budget meals. I guess I would be considered a mild hoarder but I am like you and box things along with bagging them for later. We don’t have a Denny’s here but if we did I would get the Country Fried Steak and Egg meal for $8 for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Carol Bryant says
I am now craving a quesadilla burger yum! Eating out can really get expensive for sure.
Meagan says
My husband and I love eating out, but it does get spendy! Looks like Dennys has yummy and inexpensive food for every meal.
Bernadette Callahan (@AimlessMoments) says
Our last eating out was Applebees. We havent been to Dennys in a while, forgot how nice their prices are 🙂
Echo says
The 2-4-6-8 menu at Denny’s is such an awesome value! We like to go there and use that menu for our big family events!
Nupur says
My husband loves Denny’s! We eat out a lot.
Dawn says
Denny’s is one of our favorite places to eat. I wish we loved closer to one!
Nickida says
Oh we love going to Denny’s, except when it’s crowded. We like to go when the kids can eat for free. It’s usually never crowded on those nights for some reason and we get to enjoy our meal and save.
CourtneyLynne says
I just love Denny’s! I miss living in an area where Denny’s was right around the corner. Always the yummiest food!
Crystal says
WIth a family of 5, eating out can be a mortgage payment. Denny’s makes it so inexpensive. And with so many options, everyone end up happy.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
The Baja Quesadilla burger tops my list. Definitely great on the budget and is sure to fill you up with enough nourishment to continue your de-cluttering task.
Franc Ramon says
Good luck on your decluttering project. I need to do some decluttering myself. Also, these are really god meals at an affordable price.
Shell says
Denny’s is a great choice for a bargain. We go on their kids eat free nights.
Tiffany C. says
Our family loves to eat out, and it gets so expensive. It’s important to be smart about it and like you said, stay on budget. I haven’t been to Denny’s in a long time. I need to find one and try it out again, for the first time, so to speak.
Theresa says
I feel so depressed every time I see you post about Denny’s. I used to LOVE going there, but ours closed a few years back. This 2 4 6 8 menu sounds like an amazing deal!
Crystal says
Oh no! I think you need a road trip immediately.
Curtis Joseph says
I have never been to a Denny’s before, but I hear so many good things about it! I would love to try it out.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara) says
That turkey sandwich looks delish!! I’ve had a lot of trouble with our Denny’s, so it’s not the first place I pick but I do like their price points!
sharon phillips says
Haven’t been to Dennys since the late 90’s. Use to love it in Michigan after bar closed. Breakfast. Lol. They have on here I just never went in. That food looked good. May go back now.
Sarah L says
One way to eat out on a budget is to eat lunch, not dinner. Always cheaper.
shanneva@yahoo.com says
Wow! The food looks really great. I haven’t been to a Denny’s for a really long time. I think the kids would love it.
Shauna says
Now, those are some great prices for dinner. I know that sometimes feeding my huge family can be really expensive, so we don’t go out too often. This is great, though. Great food, great prices.
Kristen says
We took our kids to Denny’s when we passed through Madison, Wi this month. They loved the food too!
Amber Edwards says
Oh my goodness! At those amazing prices we can afford to take the whole family out to eat! I am loving this menu options!
Sunny M says
My goodness this makes me miss Denny’s! We don’t have one in town anymore and I completely miss how affordable they were!
Kerri says
I had no idea that Denny’s had so many options. At great prices too!
Tammy Roy says
Finding a place that has good food at reasonable prices can be hard. Denny’s has delicious food. If you go in on your birthday you get a free grand slam breakfast.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
I haven’ t been to Denny’s in ages! That used to be late-night food for me and my friends. Now it would be early morning pancakes for me and the kids!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I am amazed at these prices! Only $2.00 for quesadillas, wow!
Lorane says
These all look so good! I would have never guessed they are all under 10 bucks… the world needs more Denny’s
Leslie says
Oh man! I haven’t been to Denny’s in ages, what a great idea! Now I’m hungry, haha.
Ashley @irishred02 says
We like to share entrees at restaurants to help save money. Most of the time the serving size is ridiculous!
Michelle says
I’m a Moons Over My Hammy girl here! Oh Denny’s, I love you.
Chantal says
Eating out on a budget can be quite challenging these days! I didn’t know that Denny’s had value items, I am going to have to check this out next time we want to eat out!
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
I should not have read this before eating dinner! I’m starving and there’s not a Denny’s nearby!
Toughcookiemommy says
We absolutely love to eat out but it can get pretty expensive. I love that these ideas still allow me to enjoy these dinners out with my family.
Jeannette says
They have such a great menu! I love that I can find something everyone in my family loves! I’m going to have to take the family out for a Denny’s night – we’re in the middle of decluttering for a move and could use a good dinner!
Jeanette says
Denny’s is a great place to get something quick and good! What you got looks great! I Literally have been home 5 minutes today! We might need to do this tonight!
Jasmine says
I have five boys so deals like this are a life saver! I have a Dennys nearby going to bring the boys 🙂
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
We have not been there in a while, but Dennys definitely has a large menu to choose from.
Crystal says
Those are some great prices. I’m busy de cluttering the new home. She has a lifetime of stuff. Lots of work.
Jessica says
Thanks for the tips! Very helpful
Brandy says
Oh my gosh! Eating out on a budget, that is what I am talking about! My budget is strict and tight, but I enjoy having options to go out and enjoy a meal within that budget. Thanks for a great idea, the food looks absolutely delicious!
Amy D says
Oh my gosh does this all look great?! I wish we had a location around here still because these are amazing prices!
Cinny says
Those do sound pretty good. We’re trying to cut down on eating out too, it gets so pricey!
Beth says
I’ll admit I haven’t been to Denny’s in years! Never thought the quality was good but they’ve seemed to up their game!
Amber NElson says
It can get really expensive if you go out to eat all the time. This is great!
Erica says
We’re a family of 8 so eating out is very rare occasion. But, these Denny’s prices are seriously awesome – and definitely worth checking out! Thank you!
Saidah Washington says
I love Denny’s. My favorite is the Super Bird and their Avocado Chicken sandwich is good too.
Censie says
I always forget about Dennys we do not have one that close to us! Great deals for food though!
Alicia says
I love Denny’s but we don’t have one within an hour or two from us so we don’t ever go. We use to before moving here. I love their food and prices!
Amanda says
You are so right that eating out can really drain your wallet. We really like going out as a family for breakfast since it tends to be the cheapest type of meal.
Jeanine says
Yum this all looks so amazing. We usually don’t eat out. I stick to my budget pretty well the odd time we order pizza in, and going out? We never do anymore…with 8 of us it can get pricey not to mention super hectic!
Christy Maurer says
I love pancakes! Denny’s definitely has great prices when you are eating on a budget! I need to go there soon!
Erin says
Eating out on a budget is SO hard! I LOVE Denny’s but I don’t think we have one near us. Thankfully we pass them on road trips because they really are so affordable!
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
Oh wow, I need to declutter. I don’t have your inspiration at the moment though. I love Denny’s and used to eat there more often until I moved a little further away. It’s worth the 50 min one way drive though and I’m drooling over that turkey sammy.
Pam says
You’re making me so hungry! I want to run by Denny’s for dinner tonight now.
Michelle says
When you get done with your boxes, would you like to come sort through mine too? 😉 I’m also bad about boxing stuff I don’t know what to do with and then forgetting about it until we move. I so wish we had a Denny’s closer to us. Love their food!
Allison says
I need to learn to eat out on a budget! Wish we had a Denny’s near us in the city because I loved eating there growing up!
Catherine S says
Next time we go out to eat I will suggest Denny’s. I am all for eating out on a budget.
Ora Lee Gurr says
The 2-4-6-8 menu is one of the greatest ideas any business has ever had. Denny’s changes up the offerings to make the choices different, so sometimes I am sad because a favorite disappears. Then I cheer because it comes back. My favorite? Biscuits and gravy with hash browns.
Mitch says
This is why I wish we had a Denny’s in my neighborhood. I believe you can eat on and stay on a budget. I wish my family agreed and never ordered anything to drink expcept for the free water!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
The prices are great! It gets expensive to eat out as a family of 7 but at these prices we can!
Nikki @ Tikkido says
Good for you for undertaking a decluttering on that scale! I desperately need to do that, too. Maybe when the kids are in school again, so they can’t argue passionately that every sketch they’ve ever made and every toy they haven’t played with for years are absolutely CRITICAL to keep. 😉
Ourfamilyworld says
All the food looks delicious. How I wish there is a Denny’s Diner near my place, so I can just go there when I don’t feel like cooking.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Wow those meals look great and the prices are definitely affordable! Too bad they closed the one a few miles from me! 🙁
Christine Luken says
Denny’s has great food! I didn’t realize their prices were so great!
Tamara says
Mm… the food photos look great!! And I love the value of the good food.
ARod says
Oh you’ve made me very hungry and thanks to this post my wallet won’t suffer for it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Jonathan Key says
I love Dennys! Love their pancakes and quesadillas!
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
I’m such a fan of Denny’s, I love their breakfast. The price was always right and the food was really good.
Jacob Fu says
Thanks for sharing! I love finding good deals when I eat out. We can’t afford to eat nice all the time!
Heather says
I love Denny’s. It’s usually the place we dine when we travel unless there is a restaurant ewe really want to eat at that we don’t have back home. In about a month we’ll be having a garage sale and I can not wait to get rid of things! I really want to downsize and open up our closet spaces. They are just packed with things we hardly use.
Shelby says
Mmmm I love pancakes!
Michele says
I wonder if I ask real nice if Denny’s will open a restaurant near me!! Those prices are great and the meals look fantastic.
Terry says
I don’t like eating out at all. That being said, when I do go out to eat I go to places that will make things my way. Denny’s is one of those places.
Abbie from Lovin' Our Chaos says
We have lots of people who LOVE to go to Denny’s after church, since they are open 24 hours and they love that budget menu!
Betsy Segars says
$2 QUESADILLA? SOLD! I haven’t been to Denny’s in a while but need to check out this deal!
Tracy says
Dennys does have a lot of low cost menu options. …hope you like pancakes!
Raijean says
If you are looking to save a buck, Denny’s is truly the only way to go. I can’t tell you how many times when I was on a budget, Denny’s saved me
Mandee says
And now I’m hungry! We are currently decluttering too! Oh what I wouldn’t do to have a Denny’s in our area right now!!! That Baja Quesadilla looks delish!!!
Christa Garrison says
I can completely relate to blog conference swag I had no right to even bring home in the first place! I do the boxing up things I don’t know what to do with as well! I need to do some major decluttering soon!
Love these Denny Deals! Perfect for when I don’t know what to do for dinner!
Eliza Ferree says
The turkey sandwich and quesadilla burger look delicious. I love that Denny’s has such low prices.
Melissa Pezza says
This is EXACTLY why we love Denny’s! They have delicious food, and it’s super affordable. We go there at least once a month.
Heather Lawrence says
Good luck on your decluttering! I desperately need to get to the bottom of the cupboards as well but it’s a bit frightening in there to be totally honest with you.
I totally forgot Denny’s had more than breakfast!
Time to get a turkey sandwich
Maureen says
Eating out can get very expensive. But I understand the allure of not having to cook.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
We love Denny’s so much. We are going on a road trip at the end of next week, so we are going to look for some along the way 🙂
Cindy Merrill says
Well, now i know why you’re exhausted: All those heavy carbs will make you sleepy. My advice: Get a slow cooker and make soups and stews, if you MUST have bread, give Sour Dough breads a try- these slow digestion and don’t spike the body’s insulin levels like regular bread does. Load up on fresh fruit and salad greens in season. Also, look up Milk Thistle supplements- this will help detox your blood stream.
Here’s a frugal recipe that will get you jump started: Gently simmer 2 or three dozen wild green apples or crab apples in just enough water to cover fruit (Choke cherries would do fine as well), allow to cook until fork tender or fruit falls apart, strain in a pasta colander. The juice should look cloudy. Sweeten the juice with a spoonful or two of RAW honey or dark maple syrup.
Heather says
I do the same thing with the boxes. Right now I’m decluttering the office. Denny’s is so good!
Dogvills says
These meals are unbelievable. I need to clean up, too. Like you, I have boxes of stuff in the basement that I had forgotten already.
Joanne T Ferguson says
What a great summary of what people can do to eat out and on a budget! I just ate, but your photos have made me hungry again!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I am always looking to save a few bucks, so I love finding new ways to save a little.